Overview
The importance of diamond provenance
At the core of our Building Forever sustainability strategy is a commitment to provenance. Being able to provide enhanced traceability around the journey of our diamonds back to their source helps us link each diamond more directly to the impact it can have for the people and places where it was discovered.
We understand the importance of transparency and rigour, therefore our provenance efforts are focussed on providing traceability solutions to identify where diamonds have been discovered, as well as independently verified assurance that, throughout their journey, exacting standards have been upheld around human rights, labour conditions, environmental responsibility and business practices.
Our provenance efforts are focused on providing:
1. TRACEABILITY
Tracr – the world’s only distributed diamond blockchain that starts at the source – enables enhanced traceability of natural diamonds throughout their journey, including back to their country of origin.
2. ASSURANCE
Our Best Practice Principles (BPPs) programme requires that rigorous standards are upheld throughout our diamond value chain – including around human rights, labour conditions, environmental responsibility and business practices.
Artisanal mining
Creating a secure and transparent route to market for artisanal and small-scale miners
De Beers does not have artisanal diamond mining operations, but the sector accounts for around 10 percent of global diamond supply by value. It provides a vital – often the only – source of livelihood for millions of people in some of the poorest parts of the world. In 2018, De Beers introduced GemFair, a pioneering artisanal diamond sourcing programme to support the formalisation of the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector.
GemFair currently operates in Kono, Sierra Leone, and works closely with participating artisanal miners. The organisation aims to raise standards through training, offer a fair value for all diamonds offered for sale, and to support traceability and chain-of-custody using bespoke technology.
Tracr: The future of diamond traceability
Tracr is the world’s leading digital platform for tracing natural diamonds from source at scale. It gives customers the ability to explore the provenance, authenticity and the unique journey a diamond has taken along the diamond value chain.
Institute of Diamonds: Enhancing confidence in the natural diamond industry
We uphold a fundamental promise of accuracy, knowledge and unparalleled service. Our experts employ comprehensive analysis techniques, combining cutting-edge technology and decades of skill, to ensure that every diamond we assess meets the highest standards of authenticity and quality.
Upstream Technology
De Beers Upstream Technology specialises in developing technological solutions for our mining and discovery operations. The division’s integrated systems and engineering capabilities improve safety, efficiency and profitability, helping us achieve excellence in mining. We provide technical services, technology products and holistic marine and land-based mining systems and solutions, based on our leading-edge expertise.
Tracr: The future of diamond traceability
Tracr is the world’s leading digital platform for tracing natural diamonds from source at scale. It gives customers the ability to explore the provenance, authenticity and the unique journey a diamond has taken along the diamond value chain.
Institute of Diamonds: Enhancing confidence in the natural diamond industry
We uphold a fundamental promise of accuracy, knowledge and unparalleled service. Our experts employ comprehensive analysis techniques, combining cutting-edge technology and decades of skill, to ensure that every diamond we assess meets the highest standards of authenticity and quality.
Upstream Technology
De Beers Upstream Technology specialises in developing technological solutions for our mining and discovery operations. The division’s integrated systems and engineering capabilities improve safety, efficiency and profitability, helping us achieve excellence in mining. We provide technical services, technology products and holistic marine and land-based mining systems and solutions, based on our leading-edge expertise.
Innovation & Technology
As the world’s leading diamond company, De Beers prioritises innovation and technology. Our global teams of scientists and engineers deliver innovations that help advance new mining technology and rough diamond sorting machines to technology that can trace a diamond to the country it came from. We also create industry-leading instruments, including an unrivalled suite of diamond verification devices.
Our experts are skilled in diamond characterisation, design, electronics, mechanics and imaging technology. They collaborate with a range of organisations, including trade associations, gemmological laboratories, and some of the world’s most innovative research teams.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Building an inclusive and diverse workforce
Our business is, like our product, reliant on many unique facets working together. By valuing diversity of thought, skills and experience we will create a stronger and more brilliant business. Our approach is reinforced by our Values, our Code of Conduct and our sustainability strategy, Building Forever.
Sustainability Reports
Our sustainability report comes out every year and highlights our progress against our Building Forever strategy.